To become a hostage negotiator, one needs law enforcement experience, excellent communication skills, and the ability to remain calm in crisis situations. A high school diploma is the minimum requirement, but a degree in criminal justice or psychology can be helpful. After becoming a police officer and gaining at least five years of experience, one can apply to become a hostage negotiator and attend special training before working with an experienced negotiator.
A person who wants to become a hostage negotiator typically needs training and experience in law enforcement. A hostage negotiator is also expected to have excellent communication skills, the ability to clearly speak the language of the jurisdiction, and a talent for remaining calm and rational in a crisis situation. Requirements may vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.
Individuals interested in hostage negotiations usually start with a high school diploma or an acceptable equivalent. He or she can enroll in college and study criminal justice, psychology or related subjects. This type of course can come in handy when it comes time to communicate with criminals, helping would-be negotiators understand criminal motivations and how to appeal to them. However, many jurisdictions do not require potential hostage negotiators to obtain degrees, and in many places law enforcement experience is seen as more desirable than a college degree.
Generally, a person who wants to become a hostage negotiator works first to become a police officer. This usually involves applying to become a police officer and submitting to various tests and assessments, including psychological assessments, background checks and physical ability tests. In many jurisdictions, the individual must attend the jurisdiction’s police academy and graduate, preferably with high grades.
After graduating from the police academy, individuals typically work for a police department before they can move forward into negotiations. In many places, a person interested in this field may need at least five years of experience at this lower level before being able to move on to this job. During this period, the law enforcement officer must maintain an impeccable record. If he hasn’t previously studied psychology, it might be a good time to prepare for the next step in his career.
Once an aspiring negotiator has secured the experience they need, they can apply to become a hostage negotiator with their local law enforcement agency. If he is accepted, he will usually need to attend special training for his new job. Training generally lasts about two to four weeks, but some jurisdictions may have longer training programs. After completing the necessary training program, the individual can shadow an experienced negotiator for a period of time, gaining hands-on experience before dealing with a crisis on his own.
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